One innovative aspect of Organic Agriculture (OA) is its ability to bring positive changes to rural territories. In this framework, a specific interest is given by the Tunisian government to OA for the role that it may have to play on the livelihoods of people. A qualitative research study based on documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews and workshops has been carried out in Hazoua (South-west Tunisia) to analyze the impact of OA growth on the livelihood assets of different stakeholders, on their relationships and to identify possible options for the future development of OA with a territorial perspective in Hazoua. Research findings indicate that: (i) from the perspective of the sustainable livelihood approach, the main impacts were guaranteed market, improved income and new projects which, however, were not affecting all farmers of Hazoua.
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(ii) Using value chain analysis, most relations were found revolving around the supply chain of organic dates, and particularly, the constellation analysis, as a zooming tool on the value chain relations, highlighted hampered and conflicting relations between farmers and companies. (iii) Finally the findings suggest that a further development of the organic dates supply chain and the integration of OA with other economic sectors (tourism, handcrafts and culture) could be a good option for a successful future development in Hazoua.
